Virgin Media has confirmed the launch of a new dedicated Tennis Channel, bringing non-stop on-court action to UK TV users without any extra fees. The channel is available to all TV users via their set-top box on channel 542 and runs 24 hours a day.
What's on the new channel
The service will offer access to action from the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, as well as the ATP Challenger Tour. When live action stops, the channel will show exclusive interviews, player profiles, magazine shows and highlights, alongside a rich archive of classic matches from events including the Australian Open and US Open.
How to get it
The tennis upgrade will automatically be added to Virgin TV 360 and Flex plans, with no need for customers to take action, retune devices or call Virgin's call centre. This dedicated service joins over 35 free extra channels that Virgin has recently launched, including British Screen Classics, Inside Crime, U&Transport, Tipping Point, Deal or No Deal, Great British Menu and History Hunters.
Reaction from Virgin and Tennis Channel
Richard Vivian, Director of Programming and Value-Added Services at Virgin Media O2, said: “Tennis continues to captivate audiences around the world, and this new streaming channel gives our customers even more ways to stay connected to the sport they love. Available 24/7 at no extra cost, Virgin TV customers can switch onto live tournaments and exclusive content as well as must-watch tennis content they won't find anywhere else."
Andy Reif, SVP International and Programming at Tennis Channel, added: "We’re thrilled to bring world-class tennis coverage to millions of UK fans through this new partnership with Virgin Media O2. This marks another milestone in Tennis Channel’s ongoing international growth and reinforces our commitment to delivering the best tennis coverage to fans everywhere."
The channel will feature premier country vs country competitions including the United Cup, Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup and Hopman Cup, as well as ATP and WTA UK grass court events such as the ATP 500 Queen's (HSBC Championships) and WTA 500 Queen's, plus ATP and WTA events in Birmingham, Ilkley, Nottingham and Eastbourne. It will also carry 35 ATP Challenger Tour events from January to November and ultimate tennis showdowns in Guadalajara, Nîmes, Hong Kong and London.
